News Summary
Lane Tech High School in Chicago will rename its football field to honor Fritz Pollard, the first African-American player in the Rose Bowl. The event celebrates Pollard’s legacy as a pioneer in sports and education and follows a broader commitment to diversity and inclusion within the community. The renaming ceremony coincides with the upcoming football season and emphasizes the importance of recognition and resilience surrounding racial equity discussions.
Chicago Honors Fritz Pollard with Lane Tech High School Field Naming
Chicago – Lane Tech High School will officially rename its football field after Frederick Douglass “Fritz” Pollard, a celebrated figure and 1912 graduate, marking a significant historic moment as Pollard was the first African-American player to compete in the Rose Bowl. This renaming event is set to coincide with the upcoming football season and serves as part of a wider celebration within the Lane Tech community, emerging in the aftermath of the COVID-19 pandemic and ongoing social equity discussions.
The initiative to honor Pollard has garnered enthusiasm and support from various school officials and alumni. Michele Weiner, president of the Lane Tech Alumni Association, characterized the renaming process as a labor of love that stands as a source of pride for the institution. The CEO of Chicago Public Schools, Pedro Martinez, expressed appreciation for those who have acknowledged Pollard’s remarkable contributions and resilience throughout his life and career. Lane Tech’s principal, Edwina Thompson, emphasized that the recognition is a long-overdue tribute to Pollard’s lasting impact as a pioneer in sports, education, and racial equity.
Fritz Pollard was not just a standout athlete during his years at Lane Tech, excelling in football, baseball, and track and field, but also faced significant racial discrimination throughout his athletic career. He endured hardships such as being denied meals during travel and facing on-field abuse due to his race. Despite these challenges, Pollard emerged as a trailblazer in professional football, becoming one of the first African-American players in the sport. Further, he made history by being the first African-American quarterback and coach in professional football.
Pollard’s athletic accomplishments were recognized with his induction into the College Football Hall of Fame in 1954 and later into the NFL Pro Football Hall of Fame in 2005. Beyond his versatile sports career, he significantly contributed to the community by founding the Chicago Black Hawks and the Harlem Brown Bombers football teams. Pollard additionally established the first Black-owned tabloid and ventured into various businesses, including a talent agency and a music production company.
The interest in honoring Pollard at Lane Tech dates back to the 1990s, gaining momentum over the years, particularly following an outreach on social media platforms by the Alumni Association in 2019 that highlighted Pollard’s contributions and legacy. The effort to rename the field aligns with the school’s commitment to embracing diversity and fostering inclusivity. It follows the decision made by Lane Tech in 2020 to drop the “Indians” mascot, as the community sought to move towards a more respectful and representative identity.
The renaming ceremony set to take place this upcoming football season is anticipated to be a significant community event, celebrating not only Pollard’s contributions to sports but also the ongoing pursuit of racial equity within educational institutions. Lane Tech High School is located at 2501 W. Addison St. in Chicago, where the legacy of Fritz Pollard will now be honored on its football field for generations to come.
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